Washington

Washington Tribes in the Cannabis Industry

Cannabis is Legal in Washington

Cannabis is legal in this state for any purpose by adults over 21. Washington legalized medical marijuana in 1998. In 2012 Washington and Colorado werethe first states to legalize recreational marijuana.

Washington's Federally-Recognized Tribes

There are 29 federally-recognized tribes in Washington. The DOJ marijuana policy on tribal reservations applies to these Washington tribes. Each is federally recognized as sovereign by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the U.S. Interior Department.

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Cowlitz Indian Tribe
Hoh Indian Tribe
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe
Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation
Lower Elwha Tribal Community
Lummi Tribe of the Lummi Reservation
Makah Indian Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
Nisqually Indian Tribe
Nooksack Indian Tribe
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Puyallup Tribe of the Puyallup Reservation

Quileute Tribe of the Quileute Reservation
Quinault Indian Nation
Samish Indian Nation
Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe
Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe
Skokomish Indian Tribe
Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
Spokane Tribe of the Spokane Reservation
Squaxin Island Tribe of the Squaxin Island Reservation
Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians of Washington
Suquamish Indian Tribe of the Port Madison Reservation
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Tulalip Tribes of Washington
Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

For a complete list of Washington tribes and their locations, see our page about Washington Tribes.

Washington Tribes with Cannabis Businesses

Washington tribes recognize the challenges and business opportunities of the cannabis industry, but most have not announced their interests or business plans.

S'Klallam Tribe to Develop "High Point" Brand in Cannabis Market

Jan 4, 2018

A marijuana compact between the State and the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe was signed last week by the governor and approved by the Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Retail sales could begin next month in a temporary facility on the tribe's North Kitsap reservation. The store location is the corner of Little Boston Road and Hansville Road
just north of its Gliding Eagle Market. A permanent store could replace it at the same location in 2019.

The S'Klallam Tribe plans to grow, process and test cannabis on their reservation. In time they may build an indoor production facility west of their The Point Casino.

Squaxin Island Reservation Marajuana Store: First in the State, First in the Nation

November 9, 2015

Squaxin Island Tribe legalized marijuana on their reservation and signed a 10-year compact with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

In November 2015 the tribe opened the first reservation cannabis store in the country. Their store is named "Elevation" and is located across the street from their casinno, the Little Creek Casino Resort.
The address is 90 W State Route 108, Shelton, Washington 98584.

Suquamish Marijuana Compact: First in the State, First in the Nation

September 21, 2015

The Suquamish Indians legalized marijuana on their reservation and signed the first tribal marijuana compact in the country. It is a 10-year agreement with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
that allows the tribe to grow, process and sell marijuana statewide.

The Suquamish have one retail outlet located at 15915 State Highway 305 NE, Poulsbo, Washington, 98370. They intend to add more locations in time.

Puyallup Tribe Opens Marijuana Test Lab, Sells Marijuana to Own Tribe

August 5, 2016

The Puyallup Tribe is third tribe in Washington to enter into a cannabis business. Their first step was to open a test lab to insure quality of their product by testing for contaminants, pesticides and heavy metals.

The next step to grow medical cannabis. The tribe announced this crop will stay on their reservation for tribal members with cancer, but down the road the trbe may become a supplier toe the state's reacreational marijuana market.

Yakama Nation Keeps Marijuana Illegal on Reservation

October 27, 2013

Yakama Nation prohibits recreational marijuana on their 1.2 million-acre reservation even though it is legal off reservation.

Tribe attorney George Colby said, "... the citizens of Washington lack the authority to legalize recreational pot use on tribal lands. We want to put out public information for those that want to grow, sell and distribute that they are not welcome on Yakama Nation lands."

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board recognizes the tribe's position on marijuana and has added an application rule to notify the Yakama Nation tribal office if anyone applies for a marijuana permit on the reservation.